Students give back to MCC program that helped them

Mennonite Central Committee
Friday, 12 January 2001

Of all the tests that students in the Global Family Program take, the one after graduation may be the toughest.

That's when they have the opportunity to give back to the program of sponsorship and education, which is funded through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Indonesian Mennonites.

The program board in Indonesia encourages former recipients to donate to the program, which provides tuition each year for Indonesian youth. The youth range from kindergartners to university students, and from Mennonites to other Protestants and a few Muslims.

"We often tell the older students who apply for the scholarship that if they get a good job, they should remember us," said Daniel Widjaja, board chair.

"It's not really mandated, but it's kind of like asking them to promise ahead of time."

Lilik Setianto, who works as a bookkeeper for MCC in Indonesia, said he and other former recipients support the program.

But it may take a few years after the first job, he said. Tough economic times in Indonesia make giving back a challenge.

"It's a little hard here to be a supporter, and for people in Indonesia to give a lot from their salary each month," Lilik said. "But the number of persons donating is a good sign."

For example, a recipient who got her first job as a bank worker gave her entire first paycheck to the program, board members said. About 70 individuals each give an average of about 10,000 rupiahs, or about $1.50 Cdn./$1 U.S. a month.

Each donor adds to the invaluable gift of a good education for hundreds of students each year.

This year, 959 students are receiving about 348 million rupiahs, or $54,460 Cdn./$38,000 U.S., in scholarships, board members said.

The program channels funds three ways. This year, 723 students are receiving help from the general scholarships -- assistance provided primarily for Mennonite university students.

In a second category, children of Mennonite pastors -- primarily university students -- receive assistance. Ninety-four students are in this category this year.

In a third group, Christian and Muslim primary and secondary students who attend schools operated by Mennonite synods receive assistance. This year, 142 students fit this category.

MCC operates the Global Family Program in 22 countries, with a total of 2,554 sponsorships. North Americans can sponsor a student or an educational project for $264 Cdn./$204 U.S. a year.

The GKMI Mennonite synod sponsors the program in Indonesia with MCC. GKMI and private donors fund about 40 percent of the program in Indonesia. MCC funds about 47 percent, and Dutch Mennonites also provide some funding.

The program produces success stories, said Bambang Sukarjo, program administrator.

"Those we help often become pastors and teachers, and some have even become successful directors of big companies," he said.

"We are very glad to hear these stories. We encourage more former recipients to let us know how they are doing."

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org